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Lesson 455 min read

Security & Custody

Physical Security, Emergency Procedures, Escape Prevention & Use of Force

In This Lesson

1. Physical Security2. Procedural Security3. Emergency Response4. Escape Prevention5. Use of Force6. Contraband Control

Physical Security

Physical security refers to the structural features and equipment designed to prevent escapes, maintain order, and ensure the safety of inmates and personnel.

Perimeter Security

  • * High walls/fences (minimum 4 meters)
  • * Guard towers at strategic points
  • * Razor wire/concertina wire
  • * Clear zones around perimeter
  • * Perimeter lighting

Internal Security

  • * Cell blocks with secure locks
  • * Controlled access points
  • * Surveillance systems (CCTV)
  • * Metal detectors
  • * Communication systems

Security Equipment

  • * Handcuffs
  • * Leg irons
  • * Body restraints
  • * Batons/nightsticks
  • * Flashlights
  • * Two-way radios
  • * Metal detectors
  • * Mirrors (for searches)
  • * Firearms (for guards)

Procedural Security

Head Count

  • * Conducted multiple times daily (minimum 4 times)
  • * All inmates must be physically seen and counted
  • * Formal count at designated times
  • * Emergency count when discrepancy detected

Search Procedures

Body Searches

  • * Pat-down/frisk search
  • * Strip search (with authorization)
  • * Body cavity search (medical personnel)

Area Searches

  • * Cell/room searches
  • * Common area searches
  • * Greyhound operations

Movement Control

  • * Inmates move only with escort or authorization
  • * Movement logs maintained
  • * Controlled gates and checkpoints
  • * Escort procedures for court appearances

Emergency Response

Fire Emergency

  • 1. Sound the fire alarm
  • 2. Call fire department
  • 3. Evacuate inmates to safe area
  • 4. Account for all inmates
  • 5. Attempt to control fire if safe
  • 6. Secure perimeter

Riot/Disturbance

  • 1. Sound alarm immediately
  • 2. Lock down unaffected areas
  • 3. Call for backup/reinforcement
  • 4. Isolate ring leaders
  • 5. Use minimum force necessary
  • 6. Document all actions

Hostage Situation

  • * Contain and isolate area
  • * Do not make concessions
  • * Establish communication
  • * Call crisis negotiation team
  • * Document all demands/actions

Medical Emergency

  • * Assess the situation
  • * Call for medical personnel
  • * Provide first aid if trained
  • * Secure the area
  • * Document incident

Earthquake Response

  • During: Duck, cover, and hold
  • After: Account for all inmates, check for injuries
  • Assess structural damage before resuming operations
  • Follow evacuation plan if necessary

Escape Prevention

Common Escape Methods

  • * Tunneling
  • * Scaling walls/fences
  • * Cutting through barriers
  • * Hiding during transport
  • * Using fake documents
  • * Bribing personnel
  • * Taking hostages
  • * Creating diversions

Prevention Measures

  • * Regular perimeter inspections
  • * Frequent cell searches
  • * Monitor high-risk inmates closely
  • * Proper classification and segregation
  • * Intelligence gathering from informants
  • * Secure transport procedures

Response to Escape

  • 1. Sound alarm and initiate lockdown
  • 2. Conduct immediate head count
  • 3. Secure all exits and perimeter
  • 4. Notify authorities (police, BJMP HQ)
  • 5. Begin pursuit operations
  • 6. Document and investigate

Use of Force

Fundamental Principle

Force should only be used as a last resort and only the minimum amount necessaryto control the situation. Excessive force is prohibited and punishable.

Use of Force Continuum

1

Verbal Commands

Clear, direct orders to comply

2

Soft Empty Hand Control

Guiding, holding, escorting

3

Hard Empty Hand Control

Punches, kicks, takedowns

4

Intermediate Weapons

Baton, pepper spray, restraints

5

Deadly Force

Firearms - only when life is in imminent danger

When Deadly Force is Justified

  • To prevent escape of a violent felon
  • To protect self or others from imminent death or serious injury
  • When all other means have been exhausted
  • As a last resort only

Contraband Control

Major Contraband

  • * Weapons (bladed, firearms)
  • * Drugs/prohibited substances
  • * Explosives
  • * Escape tools
  • * Unauthorized cell phones

Minor Contraband

  • * Excess food/items
  • * Unauthorized clothing
  • * Gambling materials
  • * Currency (beyond allowed)
  • * Tobacco products

Contraband Control Measures

  • Thorough search of incoming inmates
  • Search of visitors and their belongings
  • Regular cell searches (greyhound operations)
  • Mail and package inspection
  • Use of metal detectors
  • Intelligence gathering

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Security has two components: Physical (structures/equipment) and Procedural (rules/protocols)
  • ✓Head counts must be conducted at least 4 times daily
  • ✓Use of force must be proportional and as a last resort
  • ✓Deadly force is only justified to prevent imminent death or serious injury
  • ✓Major contraband includes weapons, drugs, explosives, and escape tools
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